Eyewitness Report on the National Academy of Sciences Wild Horse and Burro Program Review
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Wild Horse and Burro Review Committee convened on March 19-20, 2012, in Irvine, CA, to evaluate the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) program. While most discussions were closed, a public session was held on March 19, where experts and the public addressed the committee.
During the public session, three official speakers and several public members presented their views to the 16-member review panel.
Mountain Lion Predation and Population Management
Dr. Michael Wolfe of Utah State University shared his research on mountain lion predation, revealing that these predators can significantly impact wild horse foal survival. He noted that factors like terrain, prey availability, and predator control programs influence predator impact on horse populations. Dr. Wolfe cited an example from the Pryor Mountains, where mountain lion predation affected foal survival until hunters intervened.
Dr. Wolfe also discussed societal concerns, particularly from hunters, regarding mountain lion populations affecting big horn sheep numbers, which are valued by trophy hunters.
Scientific Management Strategies
Dr. Allen Rutberg from Tufts University criticized the BLM for not applying scientific methods to management strategies and failing to evaluate their effectiveness. He highlighted the BLM's uncertainty about the effectiveness of PZP, a contraceptive used since the 1990s, in controlling wild horse populations.
Public Support and Policy Development
Dr. J.E. de Steiguer, a natural resource economist from the University of Arizona, emphasized the strong public support for wild horses and burros. He argued that societal concerns should influence wild horse and burro management policies. Dr. de Steiguer pointed out that the BLM's management levels and resource allocations do not reflect public concerns or adhere to federal law.
Additional Expert Insights
Other experts who spoke included Dr. Anne Perkins, an anthrozoologist from Carroll College, who advocated for managing wild horses as a wildlife species, allowing natural selection to maintain herd health. Dr. Chad Hansen from the John Muir Project discussed the impact of predator eradication on wild horse populations and criticized the BLM's transparency in providing environmental assessment documents.
Ginger Kathrens, a wildlife filmmaker and Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation, highlighted the native species status of wild horses and advocated for management practices that recognize this status.
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) was present, urging the committee to recommend that the BLM manage wild horses and burros as wildlife species, protecting their free-roaming behavior as mandated by federal law. They also called for better incorporation of public concerns into management decisions. For more information about the NAS review panel and its study scope, please click here.